Actavis, Valeant announce FDA approval for Metronidazole gel

DUBLIN and LAVAL, Quebec — Actavis and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International announced that the Food and Drug Administration approved the new drug application for Metronidazole 1.3% vaginal gel.

The antibiotic is used for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria of vagina. It’s the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15 years to 44 years. Metronidazole 1.3% provides a single-dose treatment that is packaged in a pre-filled disposable applicator.

"The approval of Metronidazole 1.3% is a significant milestone for Actavis and provides an important new option with a single-dose treatment for women suffering from BV," said Fred Wilkinson, president of Actavis Global R&D. "The expected launch of the product later this year will establish a promising long-term opportunity for Actavis and support the continued growth of our industry-leading Women’s Health franchise."

Actavis acquired the rights to Metronidazole 1.3% from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International in April 2013. Under the terms of the agreement, Actavis will acquire the rights to the drug for up to $57 million in upfront payments, milestone payments and certain guaranteed royalty payments during the first three years of commercialization, the companies said. The bacterial vaginosis market in the United States is valued at approximately $140 million annually, according to IMS Health.

Boldface Group names CEO

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Celebrity beauty licensing company Boldface Group has named former Smashbox executive John LaBonty as president and CEO.

LaBonty served as VP, GM of international for Smashbox. LaBonty also has extensive mass-market consumer brand experience with Procter & Gamble and Tambrands (i.e., Tampax tampons). He has led multiple sales, marketing and general management organizations with both companies within North America and internationally. In addition to his extensive consumer experience, LaBonty was the VP sales and distribution for Citigroup’s Latin America consumer division.

"We could not be more thrilled with the addition of Mr. LaBonty to lead the company. We are honored that Mr. LaBonty will be taking the helm and bringing the company vision to life," stated Nicole Ostoya, the current CEO, who will transition to co-founder and chief marketing officer of Boldface. "He brings excellent leadership, operational and financial expertise combined with significant international experience. A force to be reckoned with."

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to join Boldface Group and to assist Nicole and Robin in their vision to create the world’s leading branding and licensing company. I am impressed with what they have created, and am confident that we can bring their vision to reality," LaBonty stated.

Boldface ended its last quarter Dec. 31, 2013 with gross revenues of $2 million, a 27% increase over the prior quarter. The company sells cosmetics and beauty products under the Kardashian Beauty brand, and will sell fragrance products by Mario Lopez and beauty and personal care products by Uglydoll.

Aveeno, brand ambassador Jennifer Aniston debut video series

SKILLMAN, N.J. — The Aveeno brand has debuted "The Beauty of Nature, Active Naturals Oat for Your Skin," a series of video narratives celebrating ingredients found in nature and their potential to help enhance one’s natural beauty. The first digital short is narrated by brand ambassador Jennifer Aniston and highlights the farm-to-formulation journey of the Aveeno brand’s first Active Naturals ingredient — oat.

In a series of four videos, viewers are introduced to oat farmers who have harvested their fields for generations. The videos then trace the oat’s transformation from these local grain farms to the Aveeno laboratory where scientists unlock the ingredient’s natural ability to soothe, moisturize and protect.

Click here to view the video playlist, including a Spanish adaptation.

Pulitzer Prize-winner Peggy Noonan, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and singer Diana Ross now feature on the schedule for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting, slated for April 21-24 in Palm Beach, Fla.

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